Cricket: Dorset League could start in July if virus measures lifted

DORSET’S cricket league could resume on Saturday, July 4 subject to government guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an email seen by Echosport, the Dorset Cricket League (DCL) management committee has asked all member clubs to vote on the possibility of beginning the campaign at the halfway point.

This would ensure all teams play each other once. June has been pencilled in for pre-season fixtures and pitch preparation.

However, should play remain suspended indefinitely, any failure to begin by July 4 would render the season null and void.

The DCL could then “devise” another competition to fill out the campaign if a small amount of play is possible.

In the email, the DCL said: “The DCL management committee feel that a realistic view would be that league cricket could commence, at the earliest, on Saturday 4th July, i.e. the scheduled start of the second half of the season.

“This would allow, government guidelines permitting, for clubs to treat June as their pre-season, in terms of pitch preparation, etc.

“Should we not get underway on this date, then the 2020 season will be null and void, and we would devise some other type of competition to fill in whatever number of weeks are available to us, if any.

“We recognise that is a difficult time for clubs, particularly financially.”

Clubs have been asked for their take on promotion and relegation; the DCL has proposed three resolutions.

Normal relegation and promotion – two up, two down; one up, one down to reflect half a season; or scrapping relegation and promotion altogether.

The DCL has also requested clubs consider the possibility of extending the season in September and playing a separate competition.

Once the direction of the 2020 campaign is concluded, the DCL management committee will then decide on league entry fees, DCB affiliation fees plus payment and distribution of match balls.

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